Do you have a great cookie recipe? Skill with catering events? A plan to open a food truck? If you're dreaming about opening your own food-based business, take a look at our Minority Business Owner Scholarship Program.
Thanks to the support of Central Bank of Boone County and the City of Columbia, we are able to offer two scholarships of $3000 each plus a 6-month, Tier 1 membership in the kitchen. We are also partnering with the Missouri Women’s Business Center for free business coaching. These scholarships are available for individuals in historically excluded groups interested in starting a food based business.
This is an immersive scholarship program that will give you time in our kitchen, working capital, and one-on-one business coaching.
If you are interested in applying, please download and complete Part 1 of our application and return to the Loop CID/CoMo Cooks office at 14 Business Loop 70 E. This is a two-part application process designed to ensure that recipients are ready to take the next step towards their own food-based business.
Each round of applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of a representative of The Loop CID, the CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen manager, a representative from the Missouri Women's Business Center, and a former scholarship recipient. The goal is to identify individuals who have a strong business concept; have already completed some business planning; and have the energy, enthusiasm, and perseverance to stick with a new business for the long-term.
Applications are due May 8, 2023 at noon.
CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen is a commercial kitchen and food business incubator located on The Loop. We’re breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and making it easier for everyone to start and grow their food-based business. Our mission is to encourage the growth of local food entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for those without easy access to a commercial kitchen, including those who have been historically impacted by racial, social, and economic inequality.
